Call of Duty: One of the Coolest Parts of Black Ops 6’s Tomb Map Makes One Controversy Even More Frustrating
While Black Ops 6’s Tomb map is a visual masterpiece, it also reignites a growing controversy surrounding AI-generated artwork in Call of Duty
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies fans are being treated to a wave of exciting content, with the release of The Tomb following closely behind Citadelle Des Morts. With multiple trailers and blog posts already unveiling key details about the map, anticipation is at an all-time high. However, while The Tomb is being praised for its stunning visuals and unique design, it has inadvertently drawn attention to an ongoing issue within the franchise—Activision’s increasing reliance on AI-generated artwork.
The Tomb’s Art Direction is a Standout Achievement
From the moment players step into The Tomb, they are greeted with breathtaking environments. The Dig Site starting area impresses with its intricate staircases, towering pillars, and partially unearthed statues. As players venture further, they navigate catacombs reminiscent of Black Ops 4’s IX map, before reaching the subterranean temple—a vast cave that sets itself apart from anything previously seen in the franchise.
Perhaps most striking is the Dark Aether Nexus, which departs from traditional purple-hued landscapes in favor of a skybox resembling outer space, colossal orange mushrooms, and dynamic terrain. This creative shift has been widely praised, reinforcing Treyarch’s ability to craft immersive and visually compelling experiences.
Beyond the environments, The Tomb’s Zombie models also showcase exceptional artistry. Players will encounter undead warriors clad in ancient armor, ragged cloaks, and eerie skeletal designs that add depth to the map’s atmosphere. A particularly unique enemy—featured briefly in the trailer—sports a bony animal helmet and a ghostly white paint covering, hinting at deeper lore elements. This level of detail reinforces the passion and skill of Treyarch’s art team, making the AI controversy even harder to ignore.
AI Artwork in Call of Duty Remains a Point of Frustration
Despite the stunning in-game visuals, the presence of AI-generated artwork in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has been met with widespread backlash. Fans have spotted clear signs of AI usage in loading screens and calling cards, with awkward character poses and anatomical inconsistencies—such as incorrect hand structures—revealing the telltale signs of machine-generated art.
This controversy extends beyond mere aesthetics. With video game actors fighting against AI-driven replacements and the use of their voices without consent, Black Ops 6 has already faced a major upheaval. Longtime fans have noticed key recastings within the Zombies mode, including Samantha Maxis—a beloved character at the heart of the franchise for over a decade. The changes have sparked concerns that further AI-driven modifications may impact the game’s voice acting and storytelling in the future.
As Call of Duty continues to evolve, the presence of AI-generated assets threatens to overshadow the incredible work being done by Treyarch’s talented artists. The Tomb stands as proof that human creativity is irreplaceable, making Activision’s decision to incorporate AI elements all the more disheartening. Fans remain hopeful that the company will reconsider its stance, ensuring that future Call of Duty games maintain the artistic integrity that has defined the franchise for years.